Welcome back to another "Philling You In" blog -- Super Bowl edition!

I, like many other millions of people, watched the Super Bowl last night, and I have to say, I enjoyed every minute of it -- well, maybe not every minute, but every minute after the on-side kick to begin the second half.

While many people expected the Colts to win -- especially after they got off to a 10-0 lead, the Saints, led by Drew Brees, beat the Colts in what proved to be an exciting Super Bowl game. The commericals were good (how about the one with Betty White and Abe Vigoda -- haha), and the Who (gotta love Baba O'Reilly), this year's Super Bowl was one of the better ones I have ever seen.

Now, with no big sporting events until the NCAA's March Madness, the focus can now start to shift towards baseball -- YES!

In just ten days, pitchers and catchers can report to Spring Training, and both Florida and Arizona will be baseball destinations once again. The countdown to baseball continues each day here in Reading, and the countdown, which began in my head after the final out of the World Series, couldn't come soon enough

Without any more rambling -- let's take a look at some of the Phillies non-roster invitees...

Part 2 of 3 - Infielder (Ransom), OF (Wise), and 1B (Tracy)

Cody Ransom - Originally selected by San Francisco in 9th round (278 overall) in 1998 draft
The Yankees won it all last season, but when A-Roid was recovering from right hip surgery, Ransom, 33, was filling in as the club's Opening Day third baseman. Ransom, a native of Mesa, Arizona, struggled while filling in for the All-Star third baseman, hitting just .190 with no homers in 79 at-bats. Once Rodriguez was back, Ransom was sent back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (AAA), where he hit .240 with three homers and 16 RBIs in 96 at-bats. Over parts of seven Major League seasons, Ransom has posted a .233 batting average with seven homers and 34 RBIs in 262 at-bats.

While Ransom has not had much success at the big league level, the former top ten prospect of the S.F. Giants (ranked 10th in 2002), has had a solid Minor League career. Over 12 seasons in the Minors, Ransom has compiled a .242 batting average with 165 homers and 592 RBIs. He has hit over 20 homers in the Minors four times, with his best output in 2007 with Round Rock (AAA), when he mashed 28 homers. While not an everyday player at the Major League level, the fact that Ransom can play all four infield positions, as well as the outfield, bodes well for his chance to earn a job on the Phillies as a utility player at some point this season.

Dewayne Wise - Originally selected by Cincinnati in 5th round (158 overall) in 1997 draft
Wise, 31, has spent parts of seven seasons in the Majors with Atlanta, Toronto, Cincinnati, and most recently Chicago (AL), where he saved the day for Mark Buehrle's perfect game (what a catch that was). A solid defensive outfielder, and a threat on the base paths, Wise began the 2009 season as the White Sox everyday center fielder -- but an injury and a lack of offense, sent Wise to the bench, and later, out of a job in Chicago.

A career .216 hitter over 610 Major League at-bats, Wise will come to Spring Training in hopes of earning a spot on the Phillies -- perhaps as a defensive replacement, or perhaps as a late inning pinch runner. And, while Wise may end up in Lehigh Valley, he can still prove to be a valuable asset to Philadelphia if an injury to an everyday player shall occur. But, while all that is just speculation, one thing is for sure, Wise and his game-saving, over-the-wall catch in the ninth inning to preserve Buehrle's perfect game, will always be a great memory in the history of baseball.

Andy Tracy - Originally selected by Montreal in 16th round (460 overall) of 1996 draft
Tracy, 36, has become a staple in the Lehigh Valley lineup over the past two seasons, earning the team's MVP honors in each of his two seasons. Over 14 Minor League seasons, Tracy has launched 257 homers, and has 933 RBIs, along with a .267 batting average. In 1999, as a member of the Harrisburg Senators (AA), Tracy launched a career-high 37 homers with an impressive 128 RBIs. The Bowling Green State University product has hit 20 or more homers in eight Minor League seasons, and his 26 homers from last season are the most for a Phillies Triple-A farmhand since 1989.

A fan-favorite in Lehigh Valley, Tracy will most likely once again begin a season as the 'Pigs' everyday first baseman. And, while he's earned a promotion to the Majors in each of the past two seasons, Tracy's big league role relies on the health of Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard -- who has appeared in 160 plus big league games in each of those seasons. But, if anyone has deserved a chance to fill-in for Howard -- one of the biggest power threats in the Majors -- it's Tracy, one of the biggest power threats in the Minors!

Welcome back to another edition of "Philling You In".

First off, Happy Groundhog Day to all on this 2nd day of February.

Ahh yes, you know February, the same month in which men buy flowers and chocolates for their loved ones (check www.readingphillies.com for a fun way to take care of your sweetie this Valentine's Day) the Super Bowl, and of course, my favorite -- the month when players are expected to report for Spring Training.

This year's schedule:

Feb. 18 - First date injured players, pitchers and catchers may report to Spring Training.

Feb. 23 - First date all players may report to Spring Training. 
                         

March 2 - Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players.

Now, with spring training on my mind, and the R-Phils season just a little over 2 months away, I think it is about time to start to take a look at some of the players the Philadelphia Phillies have invited to spring training as non-roster players. While some of the players are veterans -- and may never play here at FirstEnergy Stadium, some are top prospects in the system -- with a good shot at starting 2010 here in Reading.

Let's take a look at some of the non-roster invitees -- ENJOY!

PART 1 of 3 - Catcher (Sardinha), OF (Duffy), & Two Middle Infielders (Chavez & Valdez).
 
Dane Sardinha - Originally selected by Cincinnati in 2nd round (46th overall) of 2000 draft
Sardinha, 30, spent the majority of the 2009 season with the Toledo Mud Hens (Triple-A Tigers), where he hit just .178 with 3 homers and 16 RBIs in 118 at-bats. A native of Hawaii, Sardinha appeared in 12 games for the Tigers in '09, and hit .097 (3-31) with 3 RBIs. Over nine Minor League seasons, the Pepperdine University product has compiled a .220 average with 56 homers, and 294 RBIs.


Chris Duffy - Originally selected by Pittsburgh in 8th round (234th overall) of 2001 draft
Duffy, 29, split last season between Milwaukee and Nashville (AAA). In just 32 at-bats for the Brewers, Duffy hit .125 (4-32) with three RBIs.

Once ranked as the number 9 prospect in the Pirates organization (2006), Duffy, a native of Brattleboro, Vermont, put up solid numbers from 2002 to 2005 in the Pirates system. In 2002 with Lynchburg (A), Duffy batted .301 with 10 homers, 52 RBIs, and 22 sbs. He enjoyed solid seasons with Altoona (AA) in 2003 and 2004, and in 2005, after appearing in 78 games with Indianapolis (AAA), Duffy was promoted to Pittsburgh where he excelled with the Bucs. The Arizona State University product hit .341 with a homer and 9 RBIs with Pittsburgh in '05, before an injury in late August shortened his season. Over nine Minor League seasons, Duffy has compiled a .299 batting average with 31 homers, 221 RBIs and 152 sbs. Over four Major League campaigns, he hit .262-6-52, with 41 steals.

Ozzie Chavez - Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Milwaukee in 1999
Chavez, 26, spent the 2009 season here in Reading with the R-Phils, appearing in 112 games.Mostly used at SS (96 games), Chavez has played every infield position over his nine year Minor League career.

A native of the Dominican Republic, Chavez, compiled a .259 batting average with 1 homer, 34 RBIs, and 7 sbs. Over his nine Minor League seasons, Ozzie Smith Chavez owns a .250 career batting average with 22 homers, 302 RBIs, and 58 sbs.

Wilson Valdez - Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by Montreal in 1997
Valdez, 31, made his Major League debut with the Chicago White Sox back on Sept. 7, 2004, and has spent parts of four seasons at the Major League level. In 152 big league games, Valdez has posted a .222 average with 1 homer and 27 RBIs. In 2009, Valdez hit .256-0-7 for the New York Mets over 41 games.

Valdez, a native of the Dominican Republic, has compiled a .283 batting average with 21 homers and 300 RBIs over 11 Minor League seasons.

Welcome back to a special edition of "Philling You In".

Today's edition will serve as a recap of what proved to be a great night for the Reading Phillies franchise, and of course, an outstanding night for Baseballtown charities.

Last night, the 2010 Phillies Winter Tour made its annual stop in Reading, and a great time was had by all in attendance. Jam-packed with awards, highlight videos, great food, auction items, merchandise, and an "A" Team of who's who in the Phillies organization -- the night was an overall success once again.

As part of the successful night, and thanks to the many in attendance, the event raised over $13,000 for Baseballtown charities.

For me, being a part of this event was something I had been excited about for awhile. Standing there with Charlie Manuel, Ruben Amaro, Benny Looper, Ricky Bottalico, Marty Bystrom, and Scott Palmer, was the feeling of a lifetime, and for the 500 plus people in attendance, the night was one they will never forget.

2010 King of Baseballtown Carl Mathias, who was a member of the 1957 Eastern League Champion Reading Indians, spoke to the crowd about his time in Reading. Mathias was very amusing, making the crowd laugh, and giving everyone a good feel for what baseball was like during the era in which he played.

Once it was the Phillies turn to take to the podium, Director of Public Affairs Scott Palmer took the mic for a Q & A session with the distinguished crew. In what proved to be a joyful part of the evening, Palmer's questions to each of the members were what every fan in attendance really wanted to know.

In speaking with Amaro -- Palmer asked him about dealing Cliff Lee, acquiring Roy Halladay, restocking the Phillies farm system, and his busy offseason, which included signing Placido Polanco, Dannys Baez, and the recent (earlier yesteday) Jose Contreras.

Amaro on Dannys Baez "... he give us some versatility, a little more depth and hopefully that will help improve our bullpen overall."

Amaro on Philadelphia and its fans "...the fans have been extraordinary...once you win here, it becomes a very special place." "...It makes our lives a lot easier to have the kind of support of our fans...."

In speaking with Manuel, Palmer asked him about his weight-loss, the 2010 squad, the acquisition of Placido Polanco, and his philosophies on the game of baseball.

Manuel on Polanco - "...he handles the bat real well, plays situation baseball, moves the runners..."

Manuel on the team - "...we got the best attitude and best chemistry I have ever been on. Believe me, I have been in baseball 48 years, we have that kind of guys. We play the best we possibly can!

Manuel on Nutrisystem - "I thought to myself I can do that...I got on the program...some of the food was absolutely terrible...a lot of it was really good." 

Advice from Manuel - "Win! "Winning takes care of everything, winning handles everything. You can learn a whole lot by winning." 

To hear more from last night's event:
 
Check out www.readingphillies.com for my interviews with Marty Bystrom and Benny Looper
and videos with Ruben Amaro, Ricky Bottalico, and Marty Bystrom from last night's event, which will continue to be released in the coming days...

Welcome back to another edition of "Philling You In".

The news of the week in sports is that the Colts and Saints advanced to the Super Bowl after big wins over the weekend. While I was pulling for the Jets (even though I am not a Jets fan), knowing that the Super Bowl is almost here is great news all around. Now that the football season is basically over (the Super Bowl is for everyone, and to me, it's more about the commercials, the halftime show, and all the hoopla than anything else), the best news coming out of this is that the 2010 baseball season is getting closer and closer by the day.

With less than a week left in the month of January, the focus will begin to shift to baseball very soon -- and that makes me a very happy person! Other than March Madness, the return of baseball is all there is to look forward to over the next two months (ehh maybe the Oscars, but that's only because Steve Martin will be hosting -- who doesn't love his work in The Jerk?).

Also, just a couple of days away, the Phillies 2010 Winter Tour will make its annual stop in Reading. That's right, on Thursday, fans will be treated to appearances by Comcast SportsNet Phillies analyst Ricky Bottalico, 1980 Phillies World Champion Marty Bystrom, Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., Phillies assistant general manager Benny Looper, and Phillies director of public affairs Scott Palmer. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Reading Hotel, and will include prizes, highlight videos, autograph sessions, and much, much more!

While it is big plus in my mind that greats like Amaro and Manuel will be in attendance, the most important part of the event is that the proceeds benefit Baseballtown charities -- which is the greatest part of all. Fans who decide to attend and pay their money, will not only be treated to a great night of fun -- but will also be helping out a great cause too -- how can anyone question that?

Stay tuned for a full recap of the night on Friday's edition of "Philling You In". For now, on to this week's look at former and current R-Phils in the news.

Carlos Ruiz - 2003-2004 - agreed to three-year, $8.85 million contract with Philadelphia
Ruiz, who batted .255 with a career-high nine homers and 43 RBIs in 2009, agreed on Sunday to a three-year contract with the Phillies, thus avoiding arbitration. The contract, which buys out Ruiz's three years of arbitration eligibility, and potentially his first year of free agency, will also have a fourth-year option worth $5 million with a $500,000 buyout. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1998., Ruiz has a .246 career batting average with 22 homers and 138 RBIs over four Major League seasons.

In 2003, Ruiz appeared in 52 games with the R-Phils and hit .266 with 2 homers and 16 RBIs. A year later, Ruiz busted out offensively, batting .284 with 17 long balls and 50 RBIs. A native of Panama, Ruiz hit 51 homers over 8 Minor League seasons in the Philadelphia organization. 

Greg Golson - 2007-2008 - designated for assignment by Texas Rangers (UPDATED - Traded to NY Yankees)
Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the first round (21st overall) of the 2004 draft, Golson was once regarded as a five-tool prospect. A year later he was ranked as the Phillies number four overall prospect in the Phillies system, and hit .264 with 25 sbs at Lakewood (A). Before 2006 began, Golson was ranked as the number three prospect in the Phillies system, and excelled with both Lakewood (.220-7-31, 23 sbs) and Clearwater (.264-6-17, 7 sbs) that season.

The 2007 and 2008 seasons for Golson were indeed his best overall seasons. After an impressive 99 games with Clearwater in '07 (.285-12-52, 25 sbs), Golson was promoted to Reading, where he appeared in 37 games that year for the R-Phils. While he showed signs of brilliance that year in Reading, it was in 2008 that he took off in Baseballtown. A native of Austin, Texas, Golson hit .282 with 13 homers, 60 RBIs, and swiped 23 bases for the R-Phils in 2008, earning his first-ever call to the Majors. Golson was traded in the offseason for fellow OF John Mayberry Jr., and while with the Rangers organization in 2009, Golson hit .258-2-40, 20 sbs for Triple-A Oklahoma City. For his Major League career, Golson is 0-7 with two runs. five strikeouts, and a stolen base.

Geoff Geary - 2000-2001, 2005 (R) - signed by Texas Rangers to Minor League contract
Originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 15th round (434th overall) of the 1998 amateur entry draft, Geary has compiled a 16-10 mark with 1 save and a 3.92 ERA over seven Major League seasons. A native of Buffalo, NY, Geary spent 2009 with the Houston Astros organization, appearing in 16 games at the Major League level, and compiling a 1-3 mark with an 8.10 ERA. Gery suffered from right biceps tendinitis last season, and spent a stint on the DL. he rehabbed with Triple-A Round Rock, and posted a 1-3 mark with a 4.95 ERA ovger 26 games. Once a staple in the Philadelphia bullpen, (in 2006 Geary posted a 7-1 mark with a 2.96 ERA in 81 appearances) Geary will look to work his way back to the Majors this season with Texas.

Reading Phillies fans will remember Geary, who was a starter back in 2000 with the club. That season, he posted a 7-6 mark with a 4.11 ERA, helping the team to a title that year. The following season, Geary appeared in 29 games with Reading (13 starts), and posted a 9-7 mark with a 3.61 ERA. He continued his climb through the organization, and appeared in Philadelphia in 2003.   

Welcome back to another edition of "Philling You In".

With just one week of football left before the Super Bowl, I am getting more and more excited for the thought of baseball coming back.

And, it feels even better now that the snow is gone, the Cowboys are out of the playoffs, and in just 80 days there will be a baseball game here at FirstEnergy Stadium -- yep, just 80 days until Opening Day.

What a week for baseball too! Mark McGwire admitted to steroids, Jose Offerman threw another punch, and the New York Mets soap opera took center stage once again.

While those stories, as well as many other ones have been in the news, my focus, at least in this blog, will be more towards the news surrounding current and former R-Phillies.

Let's take a look at this week's blog -- enjoy

Brett Myers - 2001, 2008, & 2009 (R) - signed one-year contract with Houston Astros
Myers, 29, posted a 4-3 mark with a 4.84 ERA over 18 games with the Phillies last season. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Myers owns a career mark of 73-63 with a 4.40 ERA over eight Major League seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. While he spent most of last season recovering from surgery to repair a torn hip labrum, he did return to make eight relief appearances down the stretch -- including two in the postseason.

Myers posted a 13-4 mark with a team-best 130 strikeouts and a 3.87 ERA on the 2001R-Phils Eastern League championship team. He started strong, posting a 20-inning scoreless streak in April and ended strong, winning his last six regular season decisions. Myers later returned to the R-Phils on rehab appearances in both the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Jorge Padilla - 2002 & 2003 - signed Minor League contract with Toronto Blue Jays
Padilla, 30, hit .367 with four homers, 21 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases for Triple-A Syracuse in 2009. Those numbers earned Padilla his first-ever call to the Big Leagues, as the Nats promoted Padilla to replace the injured Austin Kearns. A native of Puerto Rico, Padilla appeared in 29 games with Washington, posting a .120 batting average (3-25). 

Originally selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the third round of the 1998 draft (74th overall), Padilla posted a .256 average with 7 homers, 65 RBIs, 32 stolen bases, and 71 runs scored in 2002 -- his first of two straight seasons with the R-Phils. A year later, Padilla hit .295 with 2 homers and 23 RBIs in just 46 games. Over the course of 12 Minor League seasons, Padilla has posted a .289 career batting average.

Zack Segovia - 2006-2008 - signed a Minor League contract with the New York Yankees
Selected by the Phillies in the second round of the 2002 draft (58th overall), Segovia was ranked as the number ten prospect in the Phillies organization in 2003. He made his Major League debut with Philadelphia on April 8, 2007, appearing in one game (L, 5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 1 BB, 2 K). The 27-year-old righty from Dallas, Texas, appeared in eight games with the Washington Nationals in 2009. Over that span, he posted a 1-0 mark with a 7.84 ERA, while finishing two games.

His best years, however, came with the Reading Phillies. In2006, Segovia posted an 11-5 mark with a 3.11 ERA over 17 games (16 games started). He returned in 2007 and went 5-3 with a 4.84 ERA over ten starts for the R-Phils. He last appeared in Baseballtown with the R-Phils in 2008, where he went 0-1 with a 14.40 ERA over just four games.

Brandon Duckworth - 2000 & 2003 (R) - signed a Minor League contract with Philadelphia
The 34-year-old Duckworth spent the past three seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization. In 2009, Duckworth made 19 starts (appeared in 20 games) for Omaha (AAA), and posted a 3-6 mark with a 5.31 ERA. He last appeared in the Bigs in 2008, and went 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts for the Royals. Over eight Major League seasons, Duckworth has compiled a 23-34 mark with a 5.28 ERA over 511 innings pitched.

Originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Phillies in 1997, Duckworth first appeared in Reading during the 2000 season. A native of Salt Lak City, UT, Duckworth enjoyed a solid campaign with the R-Phils in 2000, posting a 13-7 record with a 3.16 ERA over 27 games. The 6'2 righty fanned an impressive 178 batters over 165 innings pitched that season, helping the R-Phils to an 85-67 finish (1st place).  

John Suomi - 2008 - signed a Minor League contract with Philadelphia
Suomi spent the 2009 season in the Kansas City Royals organization, splitting time with NW Arkansas (AA) and Omaha (AAA). In 37 games with NW Arkansas,Suomi hit an impressive .311 with 7 homers and 19 RBIs. Over nine Minor League seasons, the Toronto, Ontario native has posted a .258 batting average with 42 homers and 316 RBIs. Originally selected by the Oakland A's in the 22nd round of the 2000 draft (660th overall), Suomi has once called Reading home. 

In 2008, Suomi split time with both Reading and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, as the team's catcher. With the R-Phils, Suomi posted a .236 average with 3 homers and 13 RBIs over 32 games played.

Happy New Year to all as we begin the first" Philling You In" blog of the year 2010.

Wow, TWO THOUSAND TEN! Or is it TWENTY TEN? I'm not quite sure as of yet, but it doesn't feel any different than 2009 -- that's probably because if you are like me, the only way to begin a new year is with a new season of baseball. And for me, the new year really begins on Opening Day -- the first day that the year officially feels new to me -- you know what I mean right?

With all the cold weather on the east coast already this year, baseball seems so far away -- good thing for the hot stove reports to heat everything up, right?

Well, is it me, or is the hot stove baseball talk not as hot as it once was? In fact, it hasn't heated me up at all -- I'm still wearing ten layers of clothes in the press box as I write this.

But hey, for whatever it is worth, 2010 will be the best year ever -- isn't that what everyone says when a new year begins. Oh, and don't forget all the resolutions you made. How many people are still keeping those 4 days into the new year?

Oh well, just remember, each year is what you make of it, and if you are like me, then each year just seems to get better and better!

Okay, enough of the small talk - let's dive right in and take a look back at the past week to see if any former Reading Phillies have made headlines. Enjoy!

Marlon Byrd - 2001 & 2003 (R) - signs a three-year contract with Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs finally got their man -- and it was a former R-Phil. Byrd, who spent 2009 with the Texas Rangers, will patrol center field for the Cubs for the next three years after signing a lucrative three-year contract . A native of Florida, Byrd posted career highs in hits (155), homers (20), RBIs (89), and doubles (43). He'll be reunited with former Rangers hitting coach, Rudy Jaramillo, who the Cubs signed back in October.

A career .279 hitter at the Major League level, Byrd has also played the field exceptionally well over his career. While he can play all three outfield positions, Byrd has established himself as a top defensive center fielder. Last season, the former R-Phil finished 12th among American League outfielders with a .991 fielding percentage.

As a member of the R-Phils, Byrd won the 2001 Eastern League MVP after hitting .316 with 28 homers and 89 RBIs. Also quick on the bases, he swiped 32 bags that season, helping lead the R-Phils to the Co-Championship (the championship between the R-Phils and the Rock Cats was canceled due to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001).

Carlos Silva - 2001 & 2002 (R) - traded to Chicago Cubs for OF Milton Bradley
Silva, who spent the past two seasons in the Seattle Mariners rotation, signed a 4 year, $48 million dollar deal after the 2007 season, but has struggled for Seattle. Last season, the Venezuelan appeared in just eight games (six starts), due to a right shoulder impingement. In 2007, as a member of the Minnesota Twins, Silva posted a 13-14 mark with a 4.19 ERA. Over his Major League career, Silva, 30, is 60-64 with two saves and a 4.72 ERA.

As for his Reading Phillies career, Silva was solid on the hill in 2001. He posted a 15-8 mark with a 3.90 ERA over 28 starts for the co-champions. The following season, Silva posted a 5-0 record with one save for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Scott Rolen - 1995-1996 - agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Cincinnati Reds
Rolen, who was traded from the Blue Jays back in July, batted .305 with 11 homers and 67 RBis in 2009. A seven-time Gold Glove winner and five-time All-Star, the 34-year-old appeared in just 128 games last season. A career .284 hitter with 283 home runs, Rolen is now under contract until 2012, and will be looked at a clubhouse leader on the Reds.

Rolen debuted with the R-Phils in 1995 and appeared in 20 games (.289-3-15). The following year, he hit .361 with 9 homers and 42 RBI for Reading, before moving through the Phillies system (SWB and then to Philly).

Jason Michaels - 2000 - re-signed by Houston Astros to 1-year, $800,000 contract
Michaels, 33, posted a .247 batting average with four home runs and 16 RBIs in 102 games with Houston in 2009. A reserve outfielder, Michaels finished up solid in 2009, posting a .309 average over his final 51 games. In 2000, as a member of the R-Phils outfield, Michaels batted .295 with 10 homers and 74 RBIs. 
 
Gustavo Chacin - 2009 - signed minor league contract with Houston Astros
A 13-game winner with the Blue Jays in 2005, Chacin, spent the 2009 season in the Phillies organization with Reading and Lehigh Valley. After appearing in two games with Reading (1-0, 3.12), Chacin was promoted to Lehigh Valley, where he was sharp. The Venezuelan native went 8-4 with a 3.21 ERA in 18 starts for the 'Pigs.  
 

Well, it's official, Roy Halladay is a Philadelphia Phillie. That's right, the Phillies finally got their man earlier today, a pitcher they have coveted for awhile now. 

"Doc" Halladay, the player that had been linked to the Phillies during the July 31 trade deadline last season, has finally become a Phillie and now Phillies fans can rejoice in knowing they have one of the best pitchers in the game - but like all trades, some players had to leave the organization. 

Two of the players who will be on their way out of the Phillies organization via trade, were two of the most highly touted players to come through Reading since Pat Burrell and Cole Hamels. And, while two of the three prospects in the trade spent the 2009 season in Reading, both will be sure to make a splash with their respective teams in 2010 and beyond. 

Michael Taylor, a hard-working, hard-hitting outfielder, who was ranked as the number three prospect in the Phillies organization, and Kyle Drabek, the number one pitching prospect in the organization, both were keys parts of the trade that brought Halladay over to Philadelphia. And, while the Phillies also dealt last year's deadline deal hero Cliff Lee, and the top catching prospect in the organization Travis d'Arnaud, the growth of Taylor and Drabek, who were both named as the Paul Owens Award Winners in 2009 (the best prospects in the organization)will be in the eyes of most in Reading for many years to come. 

Coming off a season in 2008 when the R-Phils just had all sorts of troubles on the field from the get-go, 2009 was a pleasant surprise - due in part of course to the bright spots of both Taylor and Drabek. With the smile of Taylor and the competitiveness of Drabek, R-Phils fans had two heroes they could call their own and a team which would battle their way to the playoffs, the first time since 2001. 

Taylor, who was dealt not just once, but twice in the same day (went to Oakland from Toronto for 3B Brett Wallace), has shown five-tool ability since being selected by the Phillies in the fifth round of the 2007 draft. With excellent size at 6'6, 250 plus pounds, the versatile Taylor hit a combined .334 with 39 home runs and 36 stolen bases combined over the past two seasons (split between Class A through Triple-A). He began 2009 with the R-Phils and hit .333 with 15 home runs and 65 RBIs before a promotion to Lehigh Valley, where he continued to rake. 

A Stanford alumnus, the 24-year-old was named the Eastern League Rookie of the Year in 2009, one of just a number of awards he would notch. Also, Taylor was named by Baseball America as the "Best Batting Prospect" and "Most Exciting Player" in the Eastern League this past season. A native of Chevrely, MD, Taylor was also a mid-season and post-season Eastern League All-Star in 2009.

Much like Taylor, Drabek burst on the Reading scene in 2009 with lofty goals and ambitions. Son of former Major Leaguer Doug, Drabek was considerable untouchable back in July, around the same time he was lighting up the Eastern League on the mound for the R-Phils. 

A first-round selection of the Phillies in the 2006 draft (18th overall), Drabek began the 2009 season with Clearwater, where the young righty dazzled Florida State League hitters. The 22-year-old compiled a 4-1 mark with a 2.48 ERA over nine starts (10 games) for the Threshers, before a promotion to Reading was in the cards. And while Drabek missed the almost all of the 2008 season following Tommy John surgery, over four Minor League seasons, the Texas native has compiled a 19-10 record with a 3.71 ERA in 51 games. 

As part of the deal, the Phillies will get a handful of top prospects back from the Seattle Mariners, who like the Phillies, are stacked with premier prospects. Seattle agreed to send right-handed pitchers Phillippe Aumont, and Juan Ramirez, and outfielder Tyson Gillies to the Phillies, which will in theory restock their farm system. 

Aumont, 20, a first round draft choice in 2007 (11th overall), is considered by many to have a tremendous amount of upside. Last season, the Mariners converted the 6'7 Canadian into a reliever and Aumont began 2009 in the California League with High Desert (High-A), where he compiled a 1-2 mark with a 3.23 ERA and 12 saves in 29 games. Later in 2009, he was promoted to West Tennessee (Double-A), where he went 1-4 with four saves and a 5.09 ERA. The Canadian born Aumont could very well begin the year with Reading in 2010, stay tuned. 

Ramirez, 21, was signed out of Nicaragua by Seattle in 2005 and spent 2009 with High Desert (Single-A), where he posted an 8-10 mark with a 5.12 ERA over 28 games (27 starts). In three Minor League seasons, Ramirez is a combined 17-26 with a 4.59 ERA in 68 games (64 starts) through the Single-A ranks. At 6'3, and with a fast ball which has been clocked as high as 97 mph, Ramirez has a ton of upside. 

Gillies, 21, was selected by the Mariners in the 25th round of the 2006 Draft and has relied on heavily on his speed. A native of Canada, Gillies, a center fielder, stole 44 bases last season as a member of High Desert (Single-A), and finishing third in the California League with a .341 batting average. Gillies also finished second in the league in triples (14), and second in on-base percentage with an impressive .430 mark. 

While Halladay will undoubtedly be the instant story of this blockbuster deal, Phillies fans, especially the ones in Reading, will get a chance to rate this deal up close at some point again in the near future. And, of course, if Taylor and Drabek become big stars, well, then fans in Reading could once again say to the world, "we saw him first in Reading", much like they did with Hamels, Burrell, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, Mike Schmidt and so on.

"Catching up this offseason" is a new weekly series by Director of PR/Media Relations Tommy Viola. Each week, follow Viola as he interviews former and current players who have called FirstEnergy Stadium home over the years.

 

The field is empty, the stadium seats are quiet, and the wind is brutal -- but that hasn't stopped Michael Spidale from frequently visiting FirstEnergy Stadium this offseason.

 

Spidale, who was originally a 12th round pick of the Chicago White Sox in the 2000 amateur draft, has worked hard for the R-Phils over the past three seasons - and has become a fan favorite in the process. A Chicago native, who now calls Reading home, Spidale has kept himself busy so far during the cold winter months.

 

I caught up with the amusing Spidale last week and we talked about his time playing in Reading, his love-hate affair with the Chicago Bears, and what he has been up to during the offseason.

The 27-year-old, who has yet to officially sign a contract for 2010, has spent most of his time back in the place he has called home for parts of the past three seasons - FirstEnergy Stadium.

 

"I am conducting batting lessons in the batting tunnel at the park (FirstEnergy Stadium) to help teach kids the fundamentals," said Spidale, who has been a solid hitter for both the R-Phils and IronPigs during his time in the Phillies organization. "Kids of all ages are welcome, and the turnout so far has been great."

While some players are taking time to relax from a grueling regular season, Spidale is giving back to the community and teaching kids the same kind of things he learned when he was their age.

"About a week or two after the season, I decided I wanted to get something going for kids -- individual lessons, groups sessions, with instruction by me," said Spidale. "It's something I enjoy doing, it's fun, I like working with kids."

For more on my conversation with the hard-working Spidale, check out www.ReadingPhillies.com for a special podcast of my entire conversation.

If interested in hitting lessons with Michael Spidale at FirstEnergery Stadium, contact him at 610-670-2234.

Welcome back to another edition of "Philling You In", where each week we take a look back at some of the current and former R-Phils who are in the news. This week, the Winter Meetings have taken a stranglehold over the hot stove news and the trade talks from Indy have been getting hotter and hotter by the minute.

The biggest news of the meetings came yesterday when it was reported that the Yankees were close to a blockbuster deal to acquire Curtis Granderson, in what would be a three-team trade -- another great move by the Yankees (Yankees get Granderson, D'Backs get Ian Kennedy and Edwin Jackson, and the Tigers get Austin Jackson, Phil Coke, Max Scherzer, and Daniel Schlereth). The Yankees continue to do what it takes to win and I am not so sure they will be too far away from getting Roy Halladay -- and not too far away from getting Joe Mauer in a year or so. I like what the Tigers did here too, but as for the D'Backs, what were you thinking?

While news like that broke yesterday, the Phillies have continued to be one of the busiest teams around. Last week they got their third baseman (Placido Polanco), backup catcher  (Brian Schneider), utility infielder (Juan Castro), and recently added a solid pinch-hitter (Ross Gload). The Phillies and Yankees, the two teams who met each other in the 2009 World Series, continue to be the most active teams, thus strengthening an already solid core of players with other key pieces. We'll keep our eyes on the rest of the winter meetings, but after a span of a week, the two best teams have gotten even better!

Checking in on some of the current and former R-Phils who have been in the news since I last blogged are:

*R-Phils year(s) in bold*
(R) = Rehab

Fabio Castro - (2007-2008), signed a major league contract with the Boston Red Sox
In 2007, Castro began the season with Triple-A Ottawa, and appeared in 10 games with the Philadelphia Phillies, a year after making his major league debut with the Texas Rangers. Although Castro struggled with the Phils, the youngster enjoyed a successful season with the R-Phils in 2007 (2-0 with a save and a 2.70 ERA in 11 games).

The following season (2008), Castro became a solid member of the R-Phils staff. A native of the Dominican Republic, he posted a 7-2 mark with a 4.13 ERA in 16 starts for the R-Phils (overall posted an 8-2 mark with a 4.40 ERA in 27 games total). In April of 2008, Castro went 3-0 with a 2.96 ERA in five starts.

Pat Burrell -
(1999, 2004 Rehab), Burrell's name has been mentioned in trade talks for the past couple of weeks, but as of now, the former LF for the Phillies is still a Tampa Bay Ray. There have been reports that Burrell would go to the Mets for 2B Luis Castillo -- which has been shot down. And, there have been ongoing rumors that Pat "the Bat" would go to the Cubs in exchange for Milton Bradley. Well, whatever the case may be, Burrell will always be remembered in Reading for his great 1999 showing (.333 average, 28 homers, 90 RBIs). 

Marlon Byrd - (2001, 2003 Rehab), declined arbitration by the Texas Rangers 
Byrd enjoyed a solid season at the plate for the Texas Rangers in 2009 (.283, 20 HRs, 89 RBIs) and also was a solid defensive outfielder for the club. While Byrd has said his first choice is to stay in Texas, the Rangers may not re-sign him and may opt to go with the young Julio Borbon in CF for 2010. As an R-Phil in 2001, Byrd enjoyed an outstanding season (.316, 28 HRs, 89 RBIs, 32 SBs). 

Chris Coste - (2007), signed by NY Mets to 1-year contract and added to the 40-man roster.
At 36, Coste, who has spent parts of four seasons in the Majors, will be looked at as a backup catcher at either the Major League or Minor League level in 2010 for the Mets. Last season Coste batted .224 with 2 home runs and 18 RBIs between Philadelphia and Houston. Coste, who rose to fame as a 33-year-old rookie in 2006 with the Phillies, appeared in 27 games with the R-Phils in 2007 and hit .287 with 5 homers and 42 RBIs.

Carlos Monasterios - (2009), who was acquired from the NY Yankees in 2006 as part of the in the Bobby Abreu deal, has been lighting up the Venezuelan League this off-season. Monasterios, who recorded his league-leading seventh win with five shutout innings yesterday, has been a pleasant surprise for the Phillies this winter. In nine starts with Bravos de Margarita, Monasterios is 7-2 with a 3.51 ERA. The Venezuelan born Monasterios appeared in two games with the R-Phils in 2009 and posted a 0-0 mark with a 3.68 ERA.

Ryne Sandberg - (1980), named manager of the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Sandberg, who managed the Double-A Tennessee Smokies last year to a first place finish, will enter his fourth season as a manager in the Cubs organization. A Hall-of-Famer, Sandberg won nine Gold Gloves and appeared in 10 All-Star games. Although Sandberg will always be remembered as a Chicago Cub, it was in the Phillies organization where the future Hall-of-Famer got his start. In 1980 with the R-Phils, Sandberg hit .310 with 11 homers and 79 RBIs. Two years later, Sandberg was dealt along with Larry Bowa (1967-68) to Chicago for Ivan DeJesus and the rest was history. In 1991, Sandberg was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame and in 2006, his R-Phils number 26 was retired.    

John Stearns - (1973), signed by the Seattle Mariners as a scout for the 2010 season.
Stearns, 58, who spent the 2008 and 2009 season as the Harrisburg Senators manager, appeared in 67 games for the R-Phils in 1973 and hit .241 with 3 homers. Originally selected by the Phillies in the first round (second overall pick) in the 1973 draft, the former catcher is a career .260 hitter over 11 seasons in the Bigs.

Randy Wolf -  (1998, 2001 (R), 2004 (R), & 2006 (R), signed 3-year deal with Milwaukee
Drafted by Philadelphia in 1997, Wolf spent the 2009 season with the Los Angels Dodgers and posted an 11-7 record with a 3.23 ERA in 34 games started. A fan favorite during his time with Philadelphia, Wolfie won 16 games with the Phillies in 2003. As a member of the R-Phils, he posted a 2-0 mark with a 1.44 ERA in 4 games in 1998. He later appeared with the R-Phils in rehab appearances in 2001, 2004, and 2006. 

Well, that's all for now. Stay tuned for more news and notes bi-weekly, plus, stay tuned for my weekly series entitled "Catching Up In the Off-season With...".

Check ReadingPhillies.com for all the latest news, and follow me on Twitter, now and all season long.

Hello and welcome back to another edition of "Philling You In". It is now just a few days after Thanksgiving and I am still feeling the effects of bad football -- those three games on Turkey Day were terrible!

As we continue through the offseason and as we make our way into December, we take a look back at another week around the Phillies system, filled again with former R-Phils in the news. With just one week left until the Winter Meetings, the hot stove talk has been as hot as the Tennessee Titans - yup, that's five straight wins now since giving the starting quarterback duties to Vince Young. And, if you like hot, well then you are in for a sizzling week of trade talks, rumors, and gossip leading up to the Winter Meetings. In fact, the only thing that could cool off these Winter Meetings are the New Jersey Nets -- yes, not even the NY Knicks are this bad -- 0-17, are you kidding?

Okay, before I go on and on and give you every example in the book for bad teams and bad games, let's get into what happened around the Phillies system last week. In case you missed it, it was another positive week for the Phillies.

Ryan Howard - (2004), a staple in the Phillies lineup, fell short of the NL MVP award last week. Howard, one of the most feared hitters in the game, finished third in the voting behind only 2009 NL MVP Albert Pujols and Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez. Rewarded for another great season, Howard received six third-place votes, 217 points, and appeared on 31 of the 32 ballots. While Pujols was the obvious choice to win the award, Howard's numbers were excellent (.279, 45 homers, and a Major League leading 141 RBI). Year in, and year out, Howard, who hit a ton for the R-Phils in 2004, has become one of the greatest power hitters in the game.

Jimmy Rollins - (1999), was honored last week with another Gold Glove award -- his third-straight, which passes Larry Bowa as the Phillies All-Time leader in Gold Glove awards at shortstop (Bowa won two). His .990 fielding percentage led all Major League shortstops. The award now ties him with 2B Manny Trillo and 3B Scott Rolen, who also won three as a member of the Phillies. The slick-fielding Rollins is behind only 3B Mike Schmidt (10), and Gary Maddox (8) in franchise history.

Michael Bourn - (2005 - 2006), became the first Astros player to win a Gold Glove since catcher Brad Ausmus in 2006. Bourn, who is also up for Defensive Player of the Year, also led the league in stolen bases with an impressive 61. The 27-year-old also improved his batting average in 2009 -- he batted .285 in 2009 which was up 56 points from 2008.

Yohan Flande (2009), who began the 2009 season with Clearwater (A), where he was a dominate 7-1 with a 2.52 ERA, was added to the Philadelphia Phillies' 40-man roster. Flande, who ended the season with Reading, where he posted a 3-4 mark with a 4.52 ERA, possesses the best changeup in the organization, as rated by Baseball America. The lefty, who is just 23-years-old, has a bright future ahead of him, will now not be able to be plucked from the organization in the upcoming Rule 5 draft. 

Quintin Berry (2009), a native of San Diego, CA, was also added to the Philadelphia 40-man roster. Berry, who stole a team-high 48 bases with Reading last season, hit .266 with five home runs and 28 RBIs in 135 games. A fifth-round pick in 2006, Berry is currently playing winter ball in Puerto Rico -- he's hitting .138 with one stolen base over eight games.